Shake-up for housing proposals

MAJOR changes to housing proposals in Warrington’s Local Plan Core Strategy – the blueprint for development in the borough over the next 15 years – have emerged as the strategy goes out for further public consultation.
A specific proposal to build around 1,100 new homes at Omega is now included – while a policy identifying “green” sites at Appleton, Grappenhall Heys, Peel Hall and Pewterspear Green as potential future housing sites has been deleted.
The changes follow a hearing in June after which the borough council agreed a number of amendments with the Government-appointed inspector who conducted the hearing.
Consultation has now started on the changes which were considered necessary to ensure the strategy was “sound”.
Many of the changes relate to providing additional clarification within the plans, policies and supporting text.
More significant changes include the proposal to deliver around 1,100 new homes at Omega in West Warrington and the deletion of the “green” sites.
These locations were originally included to act as a contingency in the event that not enough new homes were delivered on brownfield land within the older, central parts of the town.
Council leader Terry O’Neill (pictured) said: “The adoption and finalisation of the Local Plan has moved a significant step closer.
“The need for changes following the examination hearing sessions is a routine part of the process.
“I genuinely believe that those which we have agreed with the inspector will further strengthen a robust Local Plan which delivers and supports the needs of residents and businesses and will reinforce our growth framework Warrington Means Business”.
Cllr David Keane, the council’s lead member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The Local Plan is a vital component that will shape and protect the way in which our town grows and evolves. I would encourage the public and businesses to take a look at the consultation documents and participate in the process.”
The consultation covers a six week period ending on September 30 and all consultation documents are available on the council website, with copies also available in all libraries, the Contact Centre on Horsemarket Street and New Town House on Buttermarket Street.
All responses to the consultation will be considered by the examining inspector, who will set out his conclusions on the plan in a report to the council later this year. If the inspector concludes that the plan, inclusive of the changes now being consulted on, is “sound”, the council will be able to progress it to formal adoption.